When I first started I read The Wall Street Journal Guide to Understanding Money and Investing [0]. It's probably a bit dated now, but if you're just starting it gives a pretty good overview of the basic terms like what is a stock, a bond, options, futures, put, call, stop, limit, short, etc.
Another similar book is How To Read the Financial Pages[1]. Again, probably a little dated, but I don't think much of the terminology has changed.
I would still recommend index funds for the best returns, but if you want to follow the financial news it helps to understand the lingo.
Another similar book is How To Read the Financial Pages[1]. Again, probably a little dated, but I don't think much of the terminology has changed.
I would still recommend index funds for the best returns, but if you want to follow the financial news it helps to understand the lingo.
[0]http://www.amazon.com/Street-Journal-Guide-Understanding-Inv...
[1] http://www.amazon.com/Read-Financial-Pages-Peter-Passell/dp/...